Congress Sets Up Seat-Sharing Talks With INDIA Bloc, Eyes Coalition For 2024 Polls

The Congress party on Tuesday announced a five-member National Alliance Committee (NAC) on Tuesday, tasked with negotiating seat allocations for the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections with INDIA allies.

The NAC, spearheaded by Mukul Wasnik as convenor, features former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, ex-Union minister Salman Khurshid, and seasoned party leader Mohan Prakash.

"Ahead of the General Elections-2024, the Hon'ble Congress president has established a National Alliance Committee effective immediately," stated a communication released by party general secretary KC Venugopal.

Venugopal disclosed the committee's formation moments before the commencement of the fourth INDIA group meeting in Delhi on Tuesday.

The inclusion of these five senior leaders signifies their mandate to navigate the intricate process of seat-sharing with allies. "Their experience also positions them well to handle the demands from INDIA partners," mentioned a Congress official close to party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

This announcement holds weight as certain INDIA bloc partners had criticized the Congress for delaying discussions on seat distribution. While the INDIA bloc's Mumbai meeting on September 1 aimed to initiate talks promptly, the Congress waited for results from assembly elections in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram to enhance negotiation strategies.